By Juliet Ezeh
Residents of Mallamawar Yari village in Gawakuke ward of Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State are grappling with fear and uncertainty following a late-night attack by suspected armed bandits that left several people dead and others abducted.
The attack, which reportedly occurred on Saturday night, has further heightened concerns about the persistent wave of insecurity affecting rural communities in the state.
A security analyst, Bakatsine, disclosed the development in a post on X on Sunday, stating that the assailants allegedly disguised themselves in women’s hijabs while carrying out the assault.
According to the report, the attackers stormed the village under the cover of darkness and launched a coordinated attack on residents. Several villagers were reportedly killed, while many others were taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.
Local sources said the unusual disguise allegedly used by the attackers enabled them to move around without immediately raising suspicion in the community, allowing them to strike before residents could mobilise any form of resistance.
The incident has sparked renewed anxiety among residents of Rabah Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, many of whom say they now live in constant fear of further attacks.
In his post, Bakatsine questioned the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts to curb the rising cases of banditry in the state.
“Last night, armed bandits reportedly disguised in women’s hijabs attacked Mallamawar Yari village in Gawakuke ward, Rabah LGA, Sokoto State. Several residents were killed and many others abducted during the attack,” he wrote.
“With attacks continuing across communities in Sokoto State, the question remains: what concrete measures are being taken to halt the growing wave of insecurity in the state?”
Sokoto, like several states in the North-West, has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups targeting rural settlements, often resulting in killings, abductions and displacement of residents.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Sokoto State had yet to release an official statement confirming the incident or providing details of security measures being taken in response.
Community members say they are hoping for swift intervention from security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore a sense of safety in the area.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.